Graduate Programme

Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme – Liverpool City Council

Salary: £33,673 per year
Location: Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, UK
Contract: 2-year fixed-term, full-time
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Agile fully flexible
Vacancies: 3 graduate opportunities
Job Category: Graduate Positions
Business Unit: Strategy & Change
Job Reference: liverpoolcitycouncil/TP/655/2405
Posted: 9 November 2026
Closing Date: 6 January 2027 at 12:00pm midday

Visa Sponsorship: Not available. Liverpool City Council explicitly states that it cannot sponsor visas for this programme. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK throughout the two-year programme.

Job Overview

Liverpool City Council is recruiting graduates for Cohort 29 of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme, an exciting opportunity to develop a career in local government and gain experience across one of the UK’s major local authorities.

The programme is designed for graduates who live in Liverpool or have an existing connection to the area and are interested in developing the skills and experience needed to become future local government leaders.

Successful candidates will join Liverpool City Council as Graduate Management Trainees on a two-year programme, gaining practical experience through placements across different departments and services.

Key Responsibilities and Experience

During the two-year programme, you will:

• Complete a minimum of three placements across Liverpool City Council.
• Gain experience in strategic and corporate functions.
• Work across frontline and neighbourhood services.
• Develop knowledge of operational service delivery.
• Contribute to meaningful projects supporting the Council Plan and strategic priorities.
• Take on increasing levels of responsibility as you progress.
• Participate in online learning, workshops and regional and national events.
• Take part in Action Learning Sets and group development activities.
• Work with a senior mentor at Corporate Director or Director level.

Training and Professional Development

The programme includes a structured learning and development programme delivered through the Local Government Association (LGA).

Successful candidates will work towards a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 qualification, alongside practical experience and leadership development.

You will also receive mentoring and career guidance from senior council leaders, helping you understand local government leadership and explore future career opportunities.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold, or be on track to obtain, an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 classification by August 2027.
• Have the right to work in the UK for the entire two-year programme.
• Be able to demonstrate a connection to Liverpool through at least one of the following:
  • Currently live within the Liverpool City Council boundary.
  • Have studied at a secondary school, college or university in Liverpool.
  • Be a Liverpool care leaver.

Graduates from all academic backgrounds and areas of study are welcome to apply.

Important: Liverpool City Council cannot provide visa sponsorship. Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should be aware that the council states this role does not meet the relevant Skilled Worker visa requirements.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Competitive annual salary of £33,673.
• Two years of practical local government experience.
• At least three placements across different council departments.
• CMI Level 7 professional qualification.
• Mentoring from senior council directors.
• Structured leadership and management development.
• Opportunities to contribute to projects that benefit Liverpool communities.
• Exposure to different areas of local government and public service delivery.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are being managed by the Local Government Association (LGA), not directly by Liverpool City Council.

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official LGA recruitment portal.

Candidates who need support with their application or situational judgement test can contact:

Email: impact.support@local.gov.uk

Application Deadline: 12:00pm midday, Wednesday 6 January 2027.

How to Apply

Eligible graduates should review the full vacancy details and submit their applications through the official recruitment portal:

Application deadline: 6 January 2027 at 12:00pm midday.